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Rain Ponchos – Rain Protection You Can Put On in Seconds
A rain poncho is a loose, roomy rain garment with a hood that you pull over your head and over whatever you're already wearing. It has no zip and comes in one size, so you can throw it on in seconds – even when a shower catches you halfway through a bike ride or at a viewpoint. The wide cut also covers your backpack, so you and your gear stay dry.
Our rain ponchos are made from recycled polyester with a PFAS-free coating, taped inner seams, a peaked hood, side snaps and a reflective strip on the back. When the rain stops, fold them into their own front pocket and stash them in your bag. They come in one adult size for women and men, in a choice of prints.
Rain Poncho, Rain Cape or Rain Jacket – What's the Difference?
A rain poncho and a rain cape are largely the same thing: a loose waterproof garment with a hood, worn over your clothes. "Rain cape" is often used for cycling-focused designs, while "rain poncho" covers both outdoor and everyday styles. A rain jacket, by contrast, is fitted and zipped, and leaves no room for a backpack underneath.
Don't confuse a rain poncho with a changing poncho, the towel-style poncho used for getting changed at the beach. A changing poncho soaks up water; a rain poncho keeps it out.
Who Is a Rain Poncho For?
A rain poncho is a practical choice for anyone who likes to be outside whatever the weather.
We recommend it for:
- cyclists commuting to town, school or work in the rain
- hikers and travellers who might get caught in a shower
- festival-goers and outdoor concert fans
- dog walkers in any weather
- campers and anyone sleeping out under the sky
- parents walking or cycling their kids to nursery or school
- anyone who wants compact rain protection in their backpack
Rain Poncho for Cycling – What to Look For
A cycling rain poncho should cover your body, backpack and thighs without getting in the way of your hands on the handlebars or hanging down towards the wheels. That's why an adjustable fit, good visibility in traffic and a hood that doesn't block your view all matter.
Adjustable fit
Side snaps and an adjustable hood let you shape the poncho to your riding position, so it billows less as you ride.
Visibility in traffic
A reflective strip on the back makes you more visible at dusk and in bad weather, which matters most in city traffic.
Peaked hood
The peak keeps drops out of your eyes as you look ahead, and the adjuster stops the hood slipping over your face.
Riding safely
Before you set off, check that the hem isn't hanging towards the rear wheel. In very strong wind a poncho acts like a sail, so for longer rides in windy conditions a waterproof sports jacket is the better choice.
Rain Poncho vs Rain Jacket: The Advantages
Quick to put on
Pull it on over your clothes in seconds, with no zips or fiddly fastenings.
Roomy cut
A poncho comfortably covers a backpack, bag or bulky layers – something a rain jacket can't do.
Freedom of movement
Unlike a fitted rain jacket, a poncho doesn't restrict you, so it works for cycling and hiking.
Better airflow
The loose cut lets air circulate, so you overheat less when walking or riding than in a snug rain jacket.
Packs away small
Our rain ponchos fold into their own front pocket and take up very little space in your bag.
One size
One size fits most adults, so there's no guessing between S, M and L.
Rain Poncho, Rain Jacket or Disposable Poncho?
| Rain poncho | Rain jacket | Disposable plastic poncho | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putting on | in seconds, over your clothes | zip, right size needed | quick |
| Covers a backpack | yes | no | yes |
| Freedom of movement | high | depends on the cut | high |
| Strong wind | less suitable | very suitable | unsuitable |
| Durability | several seasons | several seasons | one or a few uses, tears easily |
How to Choose the Right Rain Poncho
When choosing a rain poncho, consider the following:
Material and seams
Rain ponchos are usually made from coated polyester or PVC. PVC is cheap and waterproof, but heavier and stiff in the cold. Seams matter as much as the fabric: if they aren't taped or welded, water will eventually seep through the stitch holes.
PFAS-free coating
PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals, are widely used in water-repellent coatings and don't break down in the environment. Our rain ponchos are PFAS-free and made from recycled polyester.
Hood
A large, adjustable hood with a peak protects your head and face while keeping your view ahead clear.
Length
Shorter ponchos reach the waist, longer ones the knees or below. Longer styles give better coverage, shorter ones more freedom of movement.
Packability
A poncho that folds into its own pocket is always to hand in your backpack, bag or bike basket.
Visibility
Reflective strips are essential if you wear your poncho in traffic, at dusk or in winter when it gets dark early.
How to Care for a Rain Poncho
Machine wash your poncho at 30 °C with similar colours, without fabric softener or bleach. Don't tumble dry or iron it, as high heat damages the waterproof coating and the seam tape. After use, spread it out and let it air dry before folding it into its pocket – this prevents odours and mildew. With this care, your poncho stays waterproof for several seasons.
Keep your phone and documents dry in a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch. On cold, rainy days, wear a technical midlayer under your poncho.
Related categories
Waterproof sports jackets · Waterproof winter jackets & parkas · Technical midlayers · Dry bags · Changing ponchos







